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We're launching Founders & Formulators - Here's Why

We're launching Founders & Formulators - Here's Why

Author: Startup CPG June 18, 2026 Duration: 23:21
The Startup CPG Podcast
BusinessEntrepreneurship


Host Daniel Scharff sits down with R&D Radio host and food scientist Adam Yee for a special mini episode previewing Startup CPG's first-ever Founders & Formulators event—happening July 12th in Chicago at the Palmer House Hilton, the day before the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) annual convention.


With a room full of formulators already heading to Chicago for IFT, Startup CPG is seizing the moment to bring them together with emerging brands for a speed-dating style matchmaking event. Whether you're still developing your product, struggling with a specific quality issue, or just want expert eyes on what you've built—this event is for you.


Adam brings his perspective from both sides of the table—as a food scientist, independent formulator, and former brand founder—to break down how to make the most of five minutes with a formulator, what questions to ask, and how to find the right partner before you even walk in the room.


Listen in as they discuss:

  • Why Founders & Formulators exists—and why there's nothing else like it in the industry
  • How formulators think about evaluating a product: vibes, questions, and tasting
  • What brands should bring to the event and how to get the most out of every conversation
  • How to use the Startup CPG Product Developer Directory to research and vet formulators ahead of time
  • The difference between hourly vs. project-based engagements—and why deliverables matter more than anything
  • Why personality and passion are just as important as technical skill when choosing a formulator
  • What makes a great formulator-founder relationship—and how to avoid the most common pitfall

Episode Links:
🎟️ Register for Founders & Formulators (July 12, Chicago): https://bit.ly/4w0A75M


🔬 Startup CPG Product Developer Directory: https://startupcpg.com/product-developer-directory


⁠Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.


Show Links:


  • Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
  • Join the Startup CPG Slack community (35K+ members and growing!)
  • Follow @startupcpg
  • Visit host Daniel's Linkedin 
  • Visit host Adam's Linkedin 
  • Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com
  • Episode music by Super Fantastics


Behind every product on a store shelf, there's a story of risk, innovation, and relentless hustle. The Startup CPG Podcast, brought to you by the community at Startup CPG, digs into those stories where theory meets the messy reality of building a brand. You'll hear founders recount the pivotal moments that nearly broke their company and the breakthroughs that saved it, moving beyond polished success tales. Conversations often turn to the buyer's perspective, offering a rare look at what actually gets a product onto retail floors. The focus is relentlessly practical, dissecting supply chain snags, packaging dilemmas, and marketing strategies that cut through the noise. This podcast operates like a field manual for the trenches of consumer packaged goods, built on the belief that shared knowledge is the best advantage. Tune in for candid exchanges that feel more like a mastermind session than a broadcast, all aimed at demystifying the path to shelf space and sustainable growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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